Prove Evolute of Rectangular Hyperbola: x=a\cosh\theta, y=a\sinh\theta

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the evolute of the rectangular hyperbola defined by the parametric equations x=a cosh(θ) and y=a sinh(θ). Participants are exploring the relationship between the hyperbola and its evolute, particularly focusing on deriving the Cartesian form of the evolute's equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the Cartesian form of the evolute from the parametric equations and seeks guidance on eliminating the parameter θ. Other participants question the accuracy of the expressions used and suggest corrections.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's approach, noting potential errors in the calculations. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the variables and the necessary corrections to reach the desired result.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of proving a mathematical property without providing complete solutions. There is a focus on ensuring the accuracy of the derived equations and understanding the implications of any typos or miscalculations.

John O' Meara
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Prove that the evolute of the rectangular hyperbola [tex]x=a\cosh\theta[/tex], [tex]y=a\sinh\theta[/tex] is [tex]x^{\frac{2}{3}} - y^{\frac{2}{3}}= (2a)^{\frac{2}{3}}\\[/tex].
Let (X,Y) be a pair of coordinates on the center of curvature (the evolute) of the hyperbola. [tex]X =x -\frac{y^{'}(1 + (y^')^2)}{y^{''}} \\[/tex] and [tex]Y = y-\frac{(1 + (y^')^2)}{y^{''}} \\[/tex], where [tex]y^{'}=\frac{dy}{dx} \\[/tex].
Now [tex]\frac{dx}{d\theta} = a sinh\theta[/tex], [tex]\frac{dy}{d\theta}=a cosh\theta \\[/tex]; therefore [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \coth\theta \\[/tex];
hence [tex]\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{d \coth\theta}{d\theta}\frac{d\theta}{dx} =-\cosech^2\theta \frac{d\theta}{dx}\\[/tex].
Therefore [tex]y^{''} =-\frac{cosech^2 \theta}{a\sinh\theta}\\[/tex].
Therefore [tex]X = a\cosh\theta + a\cosh\theta(\sinh^2\theta + \cosh^2\theta)\\[/tex] and [tex]Y = a\sinh\theta + a\sinh\theta(\sinh^2\theta + \cosh^2\theta) \\[/tex].
Thest are the parametric equations of the evolute. How do I get the cartesian form of the equations for the evolute. I mean how do I eliminate [tex]\theta[/tex]. Thanks for the help.
 
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Therefore I get [tex]x^{\frac{1}{3}} - y^{\frac{1}{3}} = (2a)^{\frac{1}{3}}((\cosh^3\theta)^{\frac{1}{3}} \\ - ( \sinh^{\frac{1}{3}}\theta + \sinh^3\theta)^{\frac{1}{3}}) \\[/tex] which gives [tex]x^{\frac{2}{3}} - y^{\frac{2}{3}} = (2a)^{\frac{2}{3}}( 1 - \sinh^{\frac{2}{3}}\theta)\\[/tex] Can anyone see where I went wrong? Thanks for the help.
 
John

There is a typo in the formula for Y above. It should be Y=y + etc. Then you get the required result.

Regards
 
Thanks for the reply.
 

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